Corner construction for a cabinet



Jan. 10, 1967 L. J. FAY

CORNER CONSTRUCTION FOR A CABINET 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 29, 1965INVENTOK [azure/206 (j @y y M Jim/WM $1094 W ATTORNEYS Jan. 10, 1967 1..J. FAY 3,297,383

CORNER CONSTRUCTION FOR A CABINET Filed April 29, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENT OR. [QM//VC @y Jan. 10, 1967 L. J. FAY

CORNER CONSTRUCTION FOR A CABINET 4 SheetsSheet 5 Filed April 29, 1965 IN VENTOR. [azure/706 Z ATTORNEYS Jan. 10, 1967 J. FAY 3,

CORNER CONSTRUCTION FOR A CABINET Filed April 29, 1965 4 Sheets-SheetINVENTORV [aw/2970s 4/ @g/ BY (7 ATTORNEYS United States Patent i3,297,383 CORNER CONSTRUCTION FOR A CABINET Lawrence J. Fay, Elgin,Ill., assignor to Equipto Electromcs Corporation, Aurora, 111., acorporation of Illinois Filed Apr. 29, 1965, Ser. No. 451,796 13 Claims.(Cl. 312-257) This invention relates generally to a new and improvedenclosure or cabinet and more particularly to a cabinet frameconstruction which resists distortion.

Various types of enclosures or cabinets have been used in the past forhousing electronic and instrumentation equipment. In general, when itwas desired to house relatively light units, it was possible to mountsuch light units within a simple and easily constructed cabinet whichwas of the modular construction type. These types of cabinets areusually quickly and readily assembled, since 1n most cases theindividual elements are held together by nut and bolt or similarfastening arrangements. However, because of the various forces whichoccur under loading, the use of such cabinets is restricted to thehousing of only lightweight units. If relatively heavier units werehoused in this lightweight, modular constructed cabinet, pronouncedswaying and twisting of the cabinet structure would occur.

To provide for the housing of relatively heavy equipment there isavailable at the present time numerous types of cabinets or enclosureswhich utilize welded joints instead of nut and bolt fastening as in thelightweight cabinets. The welded joint type of structure provides a veryrigid cabinet capable of withstanding substantial loading. However, inproviding such a rugged structure, a sacrifice has been made in terms ofeconomy and flexibility. That is, the rigid welded types of cabinetsgenerally do not permit a wide degree of flexibility which is requiredto meet the specific needs of a particular user in the mounting ofcertain equipment within the cabinet.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a newand improved enclosure frame which is better able to resist undesiredmovement of the frame when equipment is mounted in the enclosure.

It is another object of this invention to provide a rigid enclosurewhich is capable of easy assembly.

A further object of this invention is to provide an economical and rigidenclosure which lends itself to modular construction and a high degreeof flexibility.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a rigidcorner construction for the stiffening of cabinet frames.

In accordance with the general features of the present invention, thereis provided an enclosure frame with a corner construction having a pairof flanged corner brackets which rigidly prevent the enclosure fromswaying or twisting under loaded conditions. The enclosure frame alsoprovides rigid side struts to restrict a deflecting force tending todeflect the cabinet frame from front to back. Cooperating with the sidestrut are a number of mounting angles used to mount equipment within thecabinet, the mounting angles being recessibly mounted on the side strutsto provide an easily adjustable mounting assembly, able to accommodate avariety of uses. Angled support brackets on the enclosure frame permitthe assembled enclosure frame to be entirely free of visible assemblyscrews or other fastening means.

Other objects and advantages of this invention and a fullerunderstanding of the nature thereof may be had by referring to theclaims and to the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

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FIGURE 1 is a perspective view showing a basic unit or :nclosureincorporating the features of the present invenion;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of an enclosureframe portion of the enclosure shown in FIGURE 1, illustrating a cornerand two sides;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the corner constructionshown in FIGURE 2 as seen when looking in the direction indicated by theline and arrows IIIIII in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along thesection line IV--IV in FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the enclosureframe portion shown in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 6 is an exploded perspective view of the enclosure frame and sidepanels; and

FIGURE 7 is a cutaway view of the enclosure frame showing the mountingof a side panel on the enclosure frame.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, there is shown an enclosure 'or cabinet 10which embodies the principles of this invention. Forming the basiccomponents of the enclosure 10 is an enclosure frame 11 and a bottomportion 12. A pair of side panels 13 are mounted on the enclosure frame11 in such a manner that the fastening means required for such amounting are not visible on the outer portion of the enclosure 14).Between the side panels 13 there is a front panel or door 14 mounted bymeans of a hinge 15 which extends substantially the full length of thefront portion of enclosure 10 so as to permit ready access to the insideof enclosure 10. A handle 16 is provided on the door 14 in the usualmanner.

In FIGURE 2 there is indicated a portion of the enclosure frame 11including a back panel 17 and a side panel 18. A back channel member 19has a generally C-shaped bracket 20 securely mounted thereto by means ofwelds 21. A bottom hole 22 in the channel 19 and bracket 29 may be usedto securely mount the enclosure 10 in a relatively permanent position,or the hole 22 may be used for mounting a base or casters to theenclosure frame 11.

A side strut 23 is securely attached to a U piece 23a by means of welds21 to form a rigid side channel member 24. A side bracket 25 has abottom flange 26, a side flange 27, and a back flange 28 securelyattached to the side strut 23 by welds 21. A diagonal flange portion 29of the side bracket 25 overlies and is in close relation to a diagonalportion 30 of the C-shaped bracket 20.

For mounting equipment within the enclosure 10 there is indicated apanel mounting angle 31 which is fastened to an arm 32 of the side strut23 by means of a fastener 33, It may be noted that additional apertures34 are provided at several positions on the arm 32 to accommodate theinstallation of additional panel mounting angles 31 so as to easilyaccommodate the mounting of sub-chassis equipment within the enclosure10. The panel mounting angle 31 is readily accessible from within theenclosure 10 and can simply and easily be moved from one position to theother on the arm 32 of the side strut 23. A vertical frame member 35 iswelded to the side strut 23 and extends substantially the full height ofenclosure 10 to form the major vertical support therefor.

It is to be understood that FIGURE 2 illustrates the detail of onecorner construction of the enclosure frame 11, a similar constructionbeing situated at each corner of the enclosure 10.

FIGURE 3 illustrates the mounting of the C-shaped bracket 20, the backchannel member 19, and the securing of bracket 20 to side bracket 25.The back channel member 19 has an integral bottom leg 36, a back leg 37and upturned edges or flanges 38 and 39. An L-shaped flange 40 extendsfrom one side of the diagonal portion 30 of the C-shaped bracket 20.This L-flange 40 is immediately adjacent the upturned edge 39 and aportion of the back leg 37, the bracket 20 being securely attached tothe back channel member 19 by means of welds 21. A bottom flange 41extends from the lower end of the diagonal portion 30 and is welded tothe bottom leg 36. A pair of threaded members 42 are securely attachedto diagonal portion 30 to receive the bolts 43 which rigidly connect thediagonal flange portion 29 to the C-shaped bracket diagonal portion 30.

FIGURE 3 also illustrates the mountin of back panel 17 to the enclosureframe 11. As is most clearly shown in FIGURE 3 a leg 44 is immediatelyadjacent the upturned edge 39 of back channel member 19. A fastener 45is mounted on the panel mounting angle 31 to receive a screw 46 which isfirst passed through an aperture in the back panel 17. It may be notedthat this arrangement allows one to simply remove the back panel 17 fromthe enclosure frame 11 to gain access to the back portion of enclosureif it is desired to service equipment contained therein, or to eitheradd a new panel mounting angle 31 or change the position of the existingpanel mounting 31 to another aperture 34 on the arm 32.

In FIGURE 4 there is shown the back panel 17 with a vertical leg 47which is in contact with a side 48 of vertical frame member 35. It isunderstood, of course, that the back panel 17 extends to a second cornerconstruction of the enclosure frame 11 and a similar vertical leg 47would rest against a similar side 48 to position the back panel 17within the enclosure frame 11. As has been noted, the back panel 17 ismaintatined in this position by means of the fastener 45 and the screw46. A vertical extension 49 of side strut 23 is secured by means ofwelds to a corner 50 of the vertical frame member 35. A reinforcing bar51 is welded to the vertical extension 49 to prevent the extension 49from moving in relation to the side strut 23, and to stiffen up theenclosure frame 11 so as to minimize front to back deflections.

The exploded view of FIGURE 5 very clearly shows the cooperation andinterconnection of the parts forming one corner of the enclosure frame11 as shown in the assembled view of FIGURE 2. As is clearly shown inFIGURE 5, the side strut 23 with side bracket 25 rigidly attachedthereto fits within a pocket 52 formed in the back channel member 19. Toform the pocket 52 the bottom leg 36 extends beyond the edge 38 andterminates in a wall 53. Similarly, the back leg 37 extends beyond theedge 39 and terminates in a wall 54. The pocket 52 within the channel 19is thus formed by the Walls 53 and 54, the edge 39, the C-shaped bracket20, and the edge 38.

Placing of the side strut 23 in the pocket 52 provides a rigid and freestanding corner formed by the back channel member 19 and the sidechannel member 24. To insure this tight fit the bottom portion of corner50 of the vertical frame member 35 seats on a corner edge 55 formed bythe back leg 37 and the side wall 54. This is most clearly shown in theexploded view of FIGURE 5. It may also be noted from FIGURE 1 that side48 of the vertical frame member 35 extends into the pocket 52immediately adjacent the upturned edge 39 of channel 19. Also, as mostclearly shown in FIGURE 3, the wall 56 of side channel member 24 extendsslightly into the pocket 52 to slightly overlap the upturned edge 38 ofthe back channel member 19.

To prevent the enclosure frame 11 from unwanted side sway and twisting,there is provided as shown in FIGURE 5 the C-shaped bracket and the sidebracket which are securely welded to the back channel member 19 and theside channel member 24, respectively. The brackets 20 and 25 aresecurely and firmly fastened to each other by means of a pair of bolts57 which pass through holes 58 in the flange portion 29 and holes 59 inthe diagonal portion to engage the threaded members 42 welded to thebottom side of bracket 20. Fully tightening the bolts 57 firmly locksthe side bracket 25 to the C-shaped 4 bracket 20. Thus, by providing thebrackets 20 and 25 and pocket 52 the enclosure frame corner constructionshown in FIGURE 5 locks equally in all directions to provide aneconomical and easily assembled cabinet or enclosure 10 which has thestability normally found in welded units.

In FIGURE 6 there is shown the means for attaching the side panels 18 tothe enclosure frame 11 without the use of visible fasteners. Theenclosure frame 11 is shown with the four vertical frame members 35 andthe panel mounting angles 31. A number of angled support brackets 60 aresecured at appropriate intervals to the vertical frame members 35. Inthe cutaway view of FIGURE 7, each of the angled support brackets 60 isshown as having a base 61 securely attached to the vertical member 35 bymeans of appropriate screws or fasteners 62. An upturned end 63accommodates cutouts 64 on the side panel 18. The cutout 64 and angledsupport bracket 60 arrangement provides for the rather simpleinstallation or removal of the side panels 18. To install the side panel18, it is only necessary to lift the panel 18 until the top edge 65 ofthe cutout 64 is placed over the upturned end 63 of the angle brackets60. In the seated position shown in FIGURE 7 the side panel 18 issupported on the enclosure frame 11 by means of the top edge 65 ofcutout 64 seating on the upturned end 63. Removal of the side panel 18to gain ready access to the interior of the enclosure 10 is, of course,accomplished by the reverse procedure.

To .prevent the side panel 18 from being disengaged from the enclosureframe 11 during shipment of the enclosure 10, FIGURE 5 shows a lockingscrew 66 and a fastener 67 arrangement which fastens the side panel 18to the side struct 23. After shipment and the enclosure frame 11 hasbeen properly assembled with the side panel 18 mounted thereon, thelocking screw 66 may be removed and, as illustrated in FIGURE 4, a plug68 can be inserted into the side panel 18 to provide an enclosure 10with no visible fastening means appearing on the outside surfacethereof. The locking screw 66 not being needed, of course, because ofthe cutout 64 and angled support bracket 60 arrangement.

Referring again to FIGURE 6, it may be seen that there are a number ofside struts 23 attached to the enclosure frame 11. These side struts 23stiffen up the enclosure frame 11 and tend to minimize deflection of theenclosure 10 from a front to back direction. It can also be seen fromFIGURE 6 that the panel mounting angles 31 are readily accessible withinthe enclosure 10, and can be moved and adjusted or an additional one cansimply be added to accommodate various sub-chassis mountingrequirements.

Although the drawings and specification present a detailed disclosure ofpreferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited to the specific forms disclosed, butcovers all modifications, changes and alternative constructions fallingwithin the scope of the principles taught by the invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an equipment enclosure frame defining corners.

(a) said frame including at each of said corners a first clgannel memberdefining a pocket at one end there- 0 (b) a second channel memberinserted into said pocket transverse to said first channel member,

(0) a! first flanged bracket secured to said first member,

(d) a second flanged bracket secured to said second channel member andhaving an integral flange portion rigidly secured to said first bracketforming an interlocking corner joint to substantially minimize distoxtion of said enclosure frame.

having a rectangular 2. In an equipment enclosure having a rectangularframe defining corners,

(a) said frame including at each of said corners a first channel memberhaving upturned edges,

(b) a first flanged bracket diagonally mounted within said first channelmember and having an integral L- shaped flange at one end thereof, saidL-shaped flange nestled within one of said upturned edges and rigidlysecured thereto, and also having an integral bottom flange rigidlysecured to said first channel member,

(0) a second channel member transverse to said first channel member, and

(d) a second flanged bracket secured to said second channel member andhaving an integral diagonal flange portion rigidly secured to said firstbracket forming an interlocking corner joint to substantially minimizedistortion of said enclosure frame.

3. In an equipment enclosure having a rectangular frame definingcorners,

(a) said frame including at each of said corners a first channel member,

(b) a first flanged bracket secured to said first member,

(c) a second channel member forming back, bottom and side portions ofsaid enclosure frame, and

(d) a second flanged bracket diagonally mounted within said secondchannel member and having integral back, bottom and side flanges securedto said second channel member, said second flanged bracket also having adiagonal flange portion securely attached to said first bracket formingan interlocking corner joint to substantially minimize distortion ofsaid enclosure frame.

4. In an equipment enclosure having a rectangular frame definingcorners,

(a) said frame including at each of said corners a first channel memberhaving upturned edges,

(b) a first flanged bracket diagonally mounted within said first channelmember and having an integral L-shaped flange at one end thereof, saidL-shaped flange nestled within one of said upturned edges and rigidlysecured thereto, and also having an integral bottom flange rigidlysecured to said first channel member,

(c) a second channel member forming back, bottom and side portions ofsaid enclosure frame, and (d) a second flanged bracket diagonallymounted within said second channel member and having integral back,bottom and side flanges secured to said second channel member, saidsecond flanged bracket also having a diagonal flange portion securelyattached to said first bracket forming an interlocking corner joint tosubstantially minimize distortion of said enclosure frame;

5. In an equipment enclosure having a rectangular frame definingcorners,

(a) said frame including at each of said corners a first channel memberhaving upturned edges and defining a pocket at one end thereof,

(b) a first flanged bracket diagonally mounted within said first channelmember and having an integral L-shaped flange at one end thereof, saidL-shaped flange nestled within one of said upturned edges and rigidlysecured thereto, and also having an integral bottom flange rigidlysecured to said first channel member,

(c) a second channel member forming back, bottom and side portions ofsaid enclosure frame, and inserted into said pocket transverse to saidfirst channel member, and

(d) a second flanged bracket diagonally mounted within said secondchannel member and having integral back, bottom and side flanges securedto said second channel member, said second flanged bracket also having adiagonal flange portion securely attached to said first bracket formingan interlocking corner 6 joint to substantially minimize distortion ofsaid enclosure frame.

6. In an equipment enclosure having a rectangular frame definingcorners,

(a) said frame including at each of said corners a first channel memberforming integral back, bottom and side channel portions of saidenclosure frame, said back and bottom portions terminating in upturnededges transverse respectively to said enclosure frame back and bottom,and defining a pocket with said side portion,

(-b) a first flanged bracket mounted within said first channel memberintegrally including a diagonal portion extending from said back channelportion to said bottom channel portion adjacent said pocket, an L-shapedflange at one end of said diagonal portion secured to said back andupturned edge portions of said first channel members and a bottom flangeat the other end of said diagonal portion secured to the first channelmember bottom portion,

(c) a second channel member forming back, bottom and side channelportions of said enclosure frame and inserted into said pocket to forman interlocking engagement with respective portions of said firstchannel member, and

(d) a second flanged bracket within said second channel member andhaving integral back, bottom and side flanges secured to thecorresponding respective portions of said second channel member, saidsecond bracket also having a diagonal flange portion transverse to saidside portion and securely attached to said first bracket diagonalportion so as to form a rigid interlocking corner joint to substantiallyminimize distortion of said enclosure frame.

7. In a knockdown equipment enclosure having a parallel sided framedefining at least one interlocking cornerjoint,

(a) said frame including a first channel member having means defining apocket at one end thereof, (b) a second channel member insertable intosaid pocket transverse to said first channel member,

(c) a first bracket permanently secured to said first channel member atone side of said pocket and having a diagonal portion extendingdiagonally of said first channelmember,

(d) a second bracket permanently secured at one end to said secondchannel member and having an integral diagonal flange portion spanningsaid pocket and engageable in face-to-face relation to said diagonalportion on said first bracket, and

(e) detachable fastener means for securing said diago nal portion andsaid integral diagonal flange on said first and second channel membersin face-to-face assembly to substantailly minimize distortion of saidenclosure frame.

8. In a knockdown equipment enclosure having a parallel sided framedefining at least one interlocking corner joint,

(a) said frame including a first channel member comprising angularbottom and back legs terminating in turned flanges and with said bottomand back legs terminating in end Walls spaced from ends of said turnedflanges providing a pocket at one end of said first channel member,

(b) a second channel member insertable into said pocket transverse tosaid first channel member,

(c) a first bracket permanently secured to said first channel member atone side of said pocket and having a diagonal portion extendingdiagonally of said first channel member,

(d) a second bracket permanently secured at one end to said secondchannel member and having an integral diagonal flange portion spanningsaid pocket and engageable in face-to-face relation to said diagonalportion on said first bracket, and

(e) detachable fastener means for securing said diagonal portion andsaid integral diagonal flange on said first and second channel membersin face-toface assembly to substantially minimize distortion of saidenclosure frame.

9. A knockdown corner joint for a knockdown equip ment enclosure of thetype having a parallel sided frame,

(a) the joint including a first channel member,

(b) a second channel member disposable at one end of said first channelmember,

(c) a first bracket secured to said first channel member and having adiagonal portion extending diagonally of saidfirst channel member,

(d) a second bracket secured to said second channel member and having adiagonal flange portion engageable in face-to-face relation with saiddiagonal portion on said first bracket, and

(e) knockdown fastener means securing said diagonal portion and saiddiagonal flange on said first and second channel members in face-to-faceassembly to minimize distortion of said channel members upon loading.

10. In a knockdown equipment enclosure having a parallel sided framedefining at least one interlocking corner joint,

(a) said frame including a first channel member having means defining apocket at one end thereof,

(b) a second channel member insertable into said pocket transverse tosaid first channel member,

() a first bracket permanently secured to said first channel member atone side of said pocket and having a diagonal portion extendingdiagonally of said first channel member,

(d) a second bracket permanently secured at one end to saidsecondchannel member and having an integral diagonal flange portionspanning said pocket and engageable in face-to-face relation to saiddiagonal portion on said first bracket, and

(e) detachable fastener means for compressively engaging said diagonalportion and said integral diagonal flange on said first and secondchannel members in face-to-face assembly to substantailly minimizedistortion of said enclosure frame.

11. In an equipment enclosure having a rectangular frame definingcorners,

(a) said frame including at each of said corners a first channel member,

(b) a second channel member transverse thereto,

(c) a first flanged bracket secured to said first member,

(d) a second flanged bracket secured to said second channel member andhaving an integral flange portion rigidly secured to said first bracketforming an interlocking corner joint to substantially minimizedistortion of said enclosure frame,

(e) removable side panels having a locked position and a removableposition on said frame, said panels including mounting apertures,

(f) locking means employed in said mounting apertures for rigidlylocking said panels in said locked position, and

(-g) removable plug means for engaging said mounting apertures in saidremovable position,

12. In an equipment enclosure having vertical frame members and panelsfor enclosing said frame members, the improvement comprising:

(a) said panels having an exterior surface with apertures and aninterior edge with cutouts,

(b) locking means in said apertures to rigidly attach said panels tosaid frame members,

(c) supporting means mounted on said vertical frame members and engagingsaid interior cutouts for removably supporting said panels on said framememers in a supporting position, and

(d) removable plug means for engaging said panel apertures in saidsupporting position, and removable from said apertures when said lockingmeans are utilized.

13. In a knockdown equipment enclosure having a parallel sided framedefining at least one interlocking corner joint,

(a) said frame including a first channel member having means defining apocket at one end thereof,

(b) a second channel member insertable into said pocket transverse tosaid first channel member,

(c) a first bracket permanently secured to said first channel member atone side of said pocket and having a diagonal portion extendingdiagonally of said first channel member,

(d) a second bracket permanently secured at one end to said secondchannel member and having an integral diagonal flange portion spanningsaid pocket and engageable in face-to-face relation to said diagonalportion on said first bracket,

(e) detachable fastener means for securing said diagonal portion andsaid integral diagonal flange on said first and second channel membersin face-to-face assembly to substantially minimize distortion of saidenclosure frame, and

(f) a plurality of mounting arms positionably mounted in said frame toprovide selective mounting for various sizes of equipment.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,886,296 11/1932Neir et al 179-91 2,380,379 7/ 1945 Attwood 312257 X 3,087,768 4/1963Anderson et al. 312263 CHANCELLOR E. HARRIS, Acting Primary Examiner F.DOMOTOR, Assistant Examiner.

1.IN AN EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE HAVING A RECTANGULAR FRAME DEFINING CORNERS.(A) SAID FRAME INCLUDING AT EACH OF SAID CORNERS A FIRST CHANNEL MEMBERDEFINING A POCKET AT ONE END THEREOF, (B) A SECOND CHANNEL MEMBERINSERTED INTO SAID POCKET TRANSVERSE TO SAID FIRST CHANNEL MEMBER, (C) AFIRST FLANGED BRACKET SECURED TO SAID FIRST MEMBER, AND (D) A SECONDFLANGED BRACKET SECURED TO SAID SECOND CHANNEL MEMBER AND HAVING ANINTEGRAL FLANGE PORTION RIGIDLY SECURED TO SAID FIRST BRACKET FORMING ANINTERLOCKING CORNER JOINT TO SUBSTANTIALLY MINIMIZE DISTORTION OF SAIDENCLOSURE FRAME.